JACK Billings hasn't wasted much time in showing what he can produce at the top level in his first AFL season. But with that done, and his first handful of games out of the way, the young Saint has other things on his mind.
After making his St Kilda debut in round one, Billings dropped back to the VFL and starred for Sandringham, picking up some match fitness and form.
He came back into the Saints' line-up in round five against Essendon and has made an impact since, including his 15-disposal and two-goal effort in Monday night's loss to Carlton.
Feeling more comfortable with every game, the 18-year-old is keen to taste more success.
"It's kind of weird. Now that you're in the team, you just really want to get a win each week. After a loss it's pretty bad, but I think personally I've got to keep working on my game and go from there," Billings told AFL.com.au.
In the past month, Billings has kicked six goals and averaged 16 disposals. It's an output he's pleased with, and one that has shown why he was the third player picked at last year's NAB AFL Draft.
He's classy, clean and composed, and hasn't been overawed by playing among and against older and more experienced opponents.
Billings hoped and wanted to play senior football in his first season, and now having achieved that, wants to keep the momentum going.
"I'm enjoying it. I'm trying to improve and build on each week so it's been good in that aspect, and I think I am doing that. I've got to keep working. But obviously I don’t like losing, so hopefully we can get a win soon," he said.
Playing alongside Nick Riewoldt has taught him about the work rate required, and things he might not have noticed as much before - “all of the stuff off the ball" – and often this year it has been Billings' left-foot passes hitting Riewoldt on the lead.
Coach Alan Richardson has seen another side to Billings' early games which has him encouraged about the future.
"We knew he was a real quality, talented player. I've been really impressed with his work rate," Richardson said.
"I knew that he was going to be good when he got the ball, I knew that he was going to be pretty clever in terms of being able to win the ball – he's a pretty good mark, Jack – but just his ability to work.
"While we're reasonably pleased with how he's going, he's got significant room to move as well. He's got a lot of growth in his game. But he's going OK."
